| [ Summary ] |
Acute bacterial peritonitis is a condition in which inflammation has spread from the gastrointestinal tract or urogenital organs to the peritoneum. Common causes of acute bacterial peritonitis include appendicitis, cholecystitis, and a large intestinal perforation. Severe inflammation and subsequent deterioration in the patient's medical condition can cause a severe state of generalized peritonitis, endotoxic shock, and multiorgan dysfunction. Only physical examination and blood tests cannot accurately diagnose this condition: therefore, imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or ultrasonography are required. Treatment of acute bacterial peritonitis includes immediate initiation of fluid resuscitation and antibiotic administration to improve the patient's general condition, followed by measures to control the septic focus surgically or via percutaneous drainage. In this section, we outline the pathophysiology of acute bacterial peritonitis, the diagnostic methods, and the treatment strategies for this condition. |